You probably know that the brain has two distinct sides, or hemispheres—the left brain and the right brain—and each side controls a different 'mode' of thinking. The left side is the rational, logical, linear side. It allows us to remember facts, perform math calculations, read and write. The right side is the creative, intuitive and feeling side. This hemisphere gives us the capacity to visualize, create from nothing, and think holistically and compassionately. Each of us typically has a dominant side that we think and live from.
Here is a COOL fact you might not know about journaling and the hemispheres of your brain. Journaling is an activity that involves your whole brain and over time, it begins to balance your left- and right-brain thinking.
The mind thinks at a rate of about 1,000 words per minute. Writing slows this process down to around 100 words a minute, creating the space for deeper, more balanced thinking. When you journal, your left brain calls up words and tells you how to punctuate sentences and build meaning into your paragraphs. Meanwhile, your right brain is free to create, intuit and feel.
So, for those of you right-brainers who wish you were a little more organized or better at math…and for those left-brainers among you who wish you were a little bit more 'big picture'-oriented and imaginative—just JOURNAL. Instead of relying more on your left or right brain, have the best of both worlds.
I have been journaling for over 30 years. I guess that’s why I can prep a tax return with the best of them and also salsa dance with grace.
Thanks for tuning in to this issue of POWER JOURNALING. Next time, we’ll take a look at “The Power of Asking Yourself Affirming Questions.” Also in that issue, which you'll receive on October 20th, look for a new Customized Explorations Journal page for you to try out.
